I choose the Allure Clinic in Toowoomba after much research because a) Dr Magnusson has multiple 5-star reviews, b) he has a few short youtube videos about various procedures that allowed me to actually see what he was like (at least on camera) and c) it's the closest clinic to my home town. Updated on 2 Apr 2017: I’m starting this blog as a ‘thank you’ to all the other blog-writers whose stories I’ve read and re-read and that gave me the courage to start my journey. This is my first blog, so please forgive any long-windedness (or is that detail? You said you liked detail here…). I hope my story gives someone the courage to make a life improving decision, just like reading other women’s stories did for me… :) So, here we go… Backstory I’m a 21 yr old university student studying online because I live 4 1/2 hours drive west of Brisbane. I weigh 64.9kgs which is very normal for me, have a BMI of 22, stand at 1.7m and have a bra size of 8GG (or 30GG depending on country). I’ve never had children or any kind of romantic/sexual experience (hetero, just not interested). My journey of self-discovery started with a moment of profound self-loathing. I have battled with bra fit since I was 16 and first had difficulty finding a bra that was big enough in the cup but small enough around the ribs. The best I could do was a 12DD from Target, the largest department store in my rural town. Three years later (I was 19), when the 12DDs were so old that the elastic was virtually non-existent, I decided to make my own bra because I couldn’t stomach another tortuous shopping trip. Women have got by for aeons without shop-bought bras, so why can’t I? With a length of flesh-coloured homespun I got to work. The idea was right, but making it work was something else. Three hours at the sewing machine and I finally had a harness to my liking. I call it a harness because… well, that’s what it was. A single strap that started at the top of the left breast, ran up and over the shoulder, down across the back and under the opposite arm, across the ribs under the breasts, up the back to the opposite shoulder and over to the top of the right breast. Two squares of homespun, shaped with pleats, connected the straps to the rib-strap running under the breasts to form the cups. There was also a narrow strap that ran from the top of one cup down around the rib-strap and up to the other cup. This served to keep my boobs separated (I hate that sweaty feeling) and to keep the rib-strap in place, right up under the breasts. No, it wasn’t pretty or very comfortable, but it did the job. The harness effectively stopped vertical bounce and it held my breast flatter against my chest so they weren’t as noticeable. It did have downsides though: the criss-cross straps ran over the upper shoulder, right next to my neck (I suddenly wore polo shirts all the time); the rubbing of the homespun on my neck made it red; if I lay down one or both boobs would fall out of the sides of the cups; the straps cut into me were they swept up the side of the breasts leaving deep, red lines when I took the harness off. It needed to be washed every night because of the under-boob sweat. After about a year of every-day wear it started smelling kinda funky all the time, no matter how well I washed it, and holes were appearing in the homespun. Updated on 2 Apr 2017: For the record, I’m an 8GG; however, I didn’t know that until April 2016 when I was 20, having my first fitting in a Brisbane store. In Myer, the assistant measured me, declared I was an 8GG and that they didn’t stock my size. I remember walking out of the store almost in tears, passing endless rows of lovely, lacy lingerie seemingly mocking me. The scene played out again in David Jones, where I pretended I hadn’t just been fitted and asked for a fitting. I was once again an 8GG and once again, “Sorry, we don’t stock that size” rang in my ears, but another assistant came over and told me that there was a place that catered to my requirements on the outskirts of Brisbane, Big Girls Don’t Cry Any More. I thanked her mechanically and left the store in a daze. Was this normal? Why was this happening? Self-doubt and denial vied for attention as I made my way back through the rows of shirts and blouses. Outside, sitting on a bench watching people make their busy way up and down Brisbane’s main street, I tried not to cry as I phoned Dad to explain why his borrowed bank card hadn’t been used. He was predictably dismissive of the fittings, told me to go find this other store tomorrow and not to worry, it’ll be alright. The next day as I approached the shop, I couldn’t help watching my reflection in the window. Bounce, bounce, bounce. I inwardly cringed and softened my stride so as to walk as smoothly as possible. Inside, a bubbly assistant came over and asked if I needed a hand with anything. I told her my story and she soon had me in a fitting room with some enormous looking bras to try. I settled on a sports bra, thinking that surely it would live up to its blurb, minimising bust movement and feeling “supportive like you’ve never felt before”. I mean, $90 has to count for something, right? Updated on 2 Apr 2017: Back home on the property, I settled into the new bras. They were hot, restrictive, didn’t stop the underside of the breast from sweating against the ribs (eeew!) and the under-wire dug into my upper abdomen unless I sat bolt upright and if I did, I felt like I needed some black and yellow safety tape to put across my T-shirt in case people ran into me… just kidding, but I quickly got used to having metal digging into my stomach. I also felt very self-conscious in public because the “support and separate” ideology made walking bouncy. I developed a subtly slumped, smooth walk that replied on flat shoes and soft knees to keep my chest still (and please, no head-winds!). Wearing shirts for work was awkward because I always needed a safety pin between the first three buttons and often above the top button too, if the shirts was an ‘open neck’ design. Nothing with decorations, chest pockets, tapered waists or open-necked was psychologically comfortable. I lived for baggy T-shirts. As I wrote in my diary one night: ”I make it sound like it doesn't bother me when I go shopping, I just say I don't like the style of girls clothes or the colours. But I do like girls clothes, I just can't wear them. Open necks and tapered waists just enhance what's already too noticeable, especially if I'm wearing a shop-bought bra ("lift and separate", pfff!) And if I'm wearing my harness, I have straps all across my chest which are only covered by a high-necked shirt (call me vain) – like a men's XS. I've become so used to wearing baggy T-shirts I rarely care any more. Wearing the shop-bought bra with pretty much anything makes me feel like I look like a hussy, not to mention it digs into my shoulders and is hot and rigid. I have two shirts that I can wear with it that don't look risqué, but I still have to safety-pin between the buttons. I hate to be thought of as being ‘easy' because of my anatomy. Almost all the articles I have read (and I've read a lot) have mentioned the difference in treatment from guys before vs. after reduction. I was wolf-whistled at in Toowoomba on the street. I hated it - made me feel slutty and so very sad. Fortunately I was near to a shop to hide in.” Given my general dissatisfaction with the shop-bought bras, I decided to make another harness. All went well until I got to the fitting and discovered I’d sewn the pleats wrongly, so my boobs spilled out either side of the cup. It was there, sitting on the floor staring at myself in the mirror, with too-tight straps digging in and uncontained flesh spilling out, that I felt truly disgusted with my body. Tears pouring down my face, I ripped the harness off and bundled up all the material, threw it petulantly across the room and sank into a chair to mope. Opening a browser, I typed in “breast reduction”. I read forum posts, “I did it, it was awesome” personal stories and cosmetic surgery website blurbs and even went so far as to call a couple of clinics to enquire about waiting times and prices. I had no intention of booking an appointment, but I had a fantasy going that I could get the procedure done. I didn’t mention it to my Dad because, based on past experience, I had good reason to believe that he wouldn’t have a bar of it; after all, the body the vessel in which we reside - it should be cared for, not cut up and changed. I didn’t want to appear like I hadn’t listened, self-absorbed, ungrateful or vain in asking for such a drastically body-altering and expensive procedure. For my whole life my father has given me everything I’ve needed and much more besides; how could I ever justify asking for anything more? Updated on 2 Apr 2017: After a week of this obsessive research, I grew tired of the whole thing. It became just another personal annoyance to be quashed and I numbed myself to the discomfort of wearing the sports bras. Then a few months later I overheard Dad talking about my self-defence interests, saying it is very good that I have the confidence to handle myself in a bad situation because my “physicality will appeal to that mentality”. Tears welled. I hadn’t thought about that side of it that much but to hear Dad say it so matter-of-factly was heart breaking. It also got me thinking as to why I have a niggling but persistent reticence to be an active member of the aeroplane and glider club, let alone skydiving again. Although playing in a musical was easier because I could just stay hunched over my keyboard, hiding in my two-sizes-too-large black shirt, in the aviation industry it’ll just be me and my intellect. I want to be recognised because I’m good at what I do, not because the buttons on my shirt strain to do their job. Or at a drop zone, I want to be remembered by “Hey, that girl can really fly,” rather than ”Hey, that chick has a great rack” (although I’m sure they wouldn’t be that polite anyway). I decided to try again to do away with conventional bras and make another harness. That night I was preoccupied and my Dad asked what was on my mind. With tears running downs my face, I told him that I was going to try to make the harness again because of what he said. Somewhere in the muddle of paternal reassurances that my body was fine the way it was, I mentioned that if I had 10,000 dollars to spare… He picked up on it, saying “What, you’d get a reduction?” Oh well, no going back now. “Yes.” “Right, we’ll make it happen.” Those were the best five words I’ve heard in a long time. After he left, I just sat in my room and cried. How could I have got the equation so wrong? Based on past experiences, he should have said no, yet he didn’t… But at least it’s happening. Now I’m worried about how we’ll pay for the procedure and hoping I won’t have to say overnight and be away from my kangaroo, Lucy. 10,000 dollars is three times as much as I make in a year, but I know not having to deal with GGs for the rest of my life will be absolutely worth every cent. Updated on 2 Apr 2017: I had researched some cosmetic clinics in Brisbane and one in Toowoomba, but chose the later because it was so much more accessible than Brisbane and the doctor had nine 5-star reviews for various procedures. I had read that Medicare can help out with a rebate for reduction mammaplasty, so I booked in with my local GP. It was very straight forward – I told the doctor about all my insecurities and physical discomforts and she wrote out a referral: “Thank you for seeing this patient for bilateral breast reduction. Impacting on life (posture, career choice, exercise). Size 8GG.” The Friday, 31st March 2017, I was booked in with Allure Clinic in Toowoomba for a consultation. Updated on 2 Apr 2017: Allure Clinic is a modified house on the corner of a back street on Toowoomba’s eastern side. The neatly trimmed lawn and flower beds were covered in autumn’s first dew, as my appointment was at 7:30am (meaning I’d had to leave home at 4:45am). The brushed steel door [RS bleep] had a sticker above it saying “turn left” - who knew. Inside, the foyer was lit with strange oblong lamps hanging in rows from the high ceiling. A strip of wood flooring connected the front door to the back door with a kind of walkway and carpet lead off right and left to consultation rooms and the kitchen. A smiley young receptionist with her face immaculately painted on greeted me and after I filed out some paperwork, I was told to wait for the nurse. By the time she arrived I was so nervous that my hands were shaking and I was sweating even though it was cold in the foyer. I was taken into one of the consultation rooms, all white except for one wall painted a hard blue, probably to better outline people’s silhouettes. After taking down some detailed medical history (me answering “no” to each question about blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kids, medication, etc.), she asked me about my symptoms. With my hands twisting together, which I’m sure she noticed, I told her about not being able to find shirts that fit and how I hate shopping because of it; how I have pain in my back and shoulders from hunching; how I feel embarrassed and self-concious of my bust entering a room before me. She had me rate my discomfort out of 5: back pain (3), bra straps (2), breast pain (3 or 4 depending), social effects (5) and others I don’t recall. I explained about the skydiving and that now I was not a teenager, I would be a target for the guys. She nodded wisely and rummaged around in a drawer, producing a huge camera. I took off my shirt and stood over a blue plastic octagon about 1 foot across, arms out and back as instructed, turning for five photos: side, 45 degrees, front on, 225 degrees, other side. Then I repeated the process without my bra. Finally, I stood in front of a machine that flashed an extremely bright light and I watched as a 3D virtual reconstruction of my torso and chest formed on the computer. Back on with the clothes and out to the waiting room where I sank one of the tan coloured chairs, now waiting for the doctor who was running a bit late, so I had time to really get nervous – probably why I absorbed so many of the following details… Updated on 2 Apr 2017: Dr Magnusson arrived through the back door, so I saw him as he strode past and disappeared around a corner behind reception. He was tall, probably in his late forties or early fifties. Salt-and-pepper hair combed back, clear-rimmed glasses framing light blue eyes, a dark blue suit jacket outlining broad shoulders and jeans with 1-inch turn ups over black boots with a strap around the heel. No overpowering cologne, thank goodness. A few minutes later he reappeared behind the counter, then looked up at me and beaconed that I could come through. I followed him around a corner into a very neat, modern office and sat awkwardly in one of the two chairs next to the desk as he rattled off his name and title. His voice had a slightly more nasal quality than I was used to from an Australian and his right upper teeth were more worn than the left. There was a white lab coat with his name embroidered on a pocket draped over the back of his chair; two huge Mac screens dominated the desk space, reflecting the light from the old fashioned windows that ran the entire length of the northern wall. A multi-directional microphone sat between the Macs. After enquiring about what I was studying at uni while he opened my file, Magnusson asked me about my symptoms. I repeated what I had just told the nurse, to skittish to do anything more. He then proceeded to go through the list of complications and some old case-files, explaining before versus after photos and results for other women of my size. A Windows tablet was showing the bra-less front-on picture from the photo shoot with the nurse, and he drew on the photo to explain what my particular surgery would do. I didn’t say much during the explanations, mostly because I already knew most of what he talked about from my own research; I just indicated that I understood everything. Nothing he said contradicted any of what I’d learned about the procedure and it all made sense. Then came the really scary part, probably the reason I was so high on adrenaline… “Hop up on that couch, without shirt and bra so I can do some measurements.” Behind the door was a bed/couch thing with a thin mattress and thinner pillow in a protective cover. It must have been adjusted to a comfortable standing height because it was to high to sit on and had a wooden step so patients could get up. I removed my jacket, shirt and bra, climbed the two steps and sat there, frozen in place. I could feel my body was so tense it was shaking slightly as I stared fixedly at a worn patch of carpet. Magnusson came over, extended the tape measure with a flourish and proceeded to measure my breasts in every way possible, each number jotted down on a form, although I was too panicky to remember exactly what was measured. When at last the tape was furled, he told me to lie back and that he was going to feel for lumps and bumps. Gulp. Why was I so freaked out? Sure, this was the first time I’d ever been shirt- and bra-less in front of a man but get a grip, he’s a doctor and I’m doing this so he can fix my body! Get a grip, girl! I lay back on the hard mattress, feeling the weight of my breasts shift and sag onto my upper arms. With trembling hands tightly clasped over my belt buckle and eyes fixed on a point on the white ceiling, I waited for Magnusson to return from shuffling papers on his desk. This is where it gets strange for me: I remember being aware of the dark outline of his head against the white ceiling as he stood by my shoulder, but then my memory gets sort of fuzzy. I remember the feeling of two fingers briefly massaging my right breast, pressing in a circular motion in three places but when he did the same on the left I remember nothing of the sensation, nor the visuals. It’s like static on a video feed. My memory returns with a light tap on the ribs and “You can hop up and get dressed now.” I did so, noticing the tone of his voice had softened with that sentence. I wonder what he saw in my face. When I was dressed and once again sitting awkwardly in the chair, he explained about size outcomes, realistic goals and specific complications (scar presence and hypertrophy, decreased nipple and areola sensation, nipple necrosis, asymmetry, skin necrosis, fat necrosis, seroma, pain, decreased ability to breast feed, recurrent ptosis, suture reaction, cyst formation, Mondors disease and that further surgery may be required), but also assured me that people in good health rarely experience many complications. There is a limit regarding how much tissue can be removed in the procedure and although in some cases the surgery has to be repeated for patients still feeling ‘too big’, it usually reduces the breast size to average proportions in relation to the body. He explained that some people worry about being too small, some want average proportions and some want as small as possible. I informed him that I would absolutely not complain about being too small and to please put me in the average/small category. He gathered all the papers together. “Obviously, you are a very good candidate for this procedure and you’re welcome to book the surgery if you feel that’s what you want do, after you’ve given this whole thing some thought.” I smiled ruefully at him, and realised it was the first time I’d smiled during the whole consultation. “I’ve already thought about it a lot.” He chuckled. “Yes, most people have.” He got up, and I followed suit. “Any more questions for me?” I fidgeted with my hands, “Not yet, it’s all been kind of a blur.” The crows-feet around the doctors eyes crinkled as he smiled reassuringly at me. “Yes, usually people remember the questions as they’re going out the door but don’t worry, if you have any questions the girls at the front know all about the procedure, they can help you out.” I took the proffered paperwork and thanked him. “My pleasure.” Updated on 2 Apr 2017: The practise manager took me into yet another office to talk about the cost. Magnusson’s fee would be $6,275. There would also be a surgical assistant at 10% or 20% of the doctors fee, depending on who it was. Then came the hospital day surgery cost, St Andrews maximum cost $2,349 (hospitals always over-quote) and finally the Anaesthetist which would be around $1,000. Medicare rebates are available for some of the costs, but I would have to pay everything first, then obtain the rebate. The waiting list was about a month. She said that $10,000 would be a safe allowance, but that it wouldn’t end up being entirely out-of-pocket. I thanked her and left, reeling from all the new information and strange experience. Updated on 2 Apr 2017: I've placed the $500 deposit with Allure Clinic and am now waiting for all the quotes to come in. I will post again when I have all the costs sort out for the assistant doctor, hospital and anaesthetist. Updated on 4 Apr 2017: Ok, Dad has been approved for a $14,000 credit card thing from Commonwealth Bank, low interest and all that. Which is good because instead of having to come up with about 10k in a month, we can finalise everything and make gradual payments later. Now, the final costs are… Surgeon - $6200 due two weeks before, GP assistant - $800 due two weeks after, anaesthetist - $1000 due three days before, hospital day surgery - $2400 due on the day. Medicare rebates are available for everything except the hospital because I don’t have a health fund. A nurse from the hospital will call me two weeks pre-op to discuss medical history and then the day before surgery to confirm admission time. So, that’s the latest… only 39 days to go (but hey, who counting?) Updated on 7 Apr 2017: I’ve been thinking about what will change for the better after the surgery is complete and the healing process is settled. I’ll be able to… stand with a straight back and open shoulders – be comfortable in my body and feel that my mental and physical projections match – go running and biking again – resume skydiving and get my instructor’s rating – stay for the weekend at the gliding club without reservations – reach my ideal level of physical fitness – buy bras and tops from regular shops – wear sleeveless shirts in summer – wear dresses. That’s all I can think of for now… I’m sure more will come later :) Updated on 1 Jun 2017: Yeah, it's been ages... but a lot has happened. At first, I canceled with Allure clinic because the hospital time didn't work with my travel needs, then I tried another place in Brisbane, but turns out they don't get Medicare coverage... So now I'm back with Allure Clinic (thank goodness) and the clock is ticking once again. It's now FOUR DAYS till the surgery!!! I can't believe it's actually happening!!! Sorry also for the previous mega-posts, I was overwhelmed and needed an outlet. I won't post again until it's over and I'm ready to say 100% worth it :) Till then... Updated on 8 Jun 2017: Ok, so there's no bad pain, just a little twinge if I move too fast or far. There's no bleeding or oozing from any of the suture lines. Honestly, the most annoying feeling is the sticky tape, but I can live with that :) Updated on 9 Jun 2017: Ok, so… on Tuesday 6th June I arrived at St Andrews Hospital, Toowoomba, at 8:00 AM. After being directed to the Day Surgery in block 2, I had a medical history chat with a nurse, paid for the surgery and was told to wait for my name to be called. 5 minutes later, it was. Another nurse took me through to a tiny room off a corridor, took my blood sugar level, blood pressure and heart rate and asked if I was allergic to anything. I was then given hospital clothes to change into: a blue-green cotton dressing gown over a dress/tunic/thing that did up at the back that looked (and felt) like it was made out of curtain fabric. Under that were compression stockings that took 5 minutes to get into, grey ankle socks with non-slip rubber stuff on the sole and a pair of disposable pantaloons. My clothes and shoes went into a white garbage bag and were quickly spirited away. I was then lead through some more corridors to another waiting room. This one had two rows of deluxe wheelchairs almost all containing an elderly people in various stages of sleep; the chairs resembled well-worn TV recliners in shades of cream and light brown vinyl and each sat on a six-wheeled steel frame. I was directed to a brown chair in the back corner of the room, given a dark blue self-warming blanket and another cream fluffy through, and told to wait… Which I did for the next 1 and ½ hours… The TV was boring and the magazines were old. Orderlies came by now and then to take various people to “get settled in a bed”. The room slowly emptied until it was just me and a couple of old ladies in the opposite corner, still waiting… About 10am, nurse Ruth from Allure Clinic came by and took me into a tiny consultation room. She explained that she would be helping with the surgery, fitted me for a post-op bra and asked me to wait there so the anaesthetist could do the pre-op 20-questions. After she bustled out, I stood and admired a picture on the wall above the examination table which featured women in corsets and parasols strolling by a lake, with a little township in the background. The anaesthetist was not what I had expected, but in a good way. Dr. Brodie was tall, probably late 30s, with subtly dyed hair under his blue hospital cap and a day or two unshaven. He looked the sort of person who would be quite at home with an electric guitar, rocking out to some Rolling Stones or Pink Floyd. He asked me what I did (music teacher) and from there we got chatting about music – turns out he’s a cellist, with a very musical family! I really liked him, which I’m glad about because I felt better knowing the person who’s going to be basically keeping me alive for the next two hours is someone I can connect with and have some faith in, as opposed to just another ’doctor’ (not that I don’t have faith in doctors, but you know what I mean...) Then came Dr. Magnusson (...speaking of doctors...) to do the pre-op mark-up. He asked how I was feeling, explaining that it was fine to be nervous and that he’d be surprised if I wasn’t. After confirming that I want as much off as medically safe, he asked me to sit on the examination table with shirt and bra off. This made me giggle because I was wearing the hospital curtain-dress and obviously no bra, which means that line must be one of his more commonly used phrases. Anyway, I sat on the table, consciously straightening my back so he could have a naturally-postured ‘canvas’ to work with. Most of what he drew was freehand, with only a couple of measurements. I stared at the examination curtains the whole time (they’re cream with blotches of light purple, green and russet) still plagued by anxieties and wanting to curl up and cover my chest. During this stage of the artwork, he only touched my breasts to lift them and draw and measure underneath. Then he asked me to lie down. More drawing followed but for some reason at this point my anxiety vanishes. As I lay there with Dr. Magnusson leaning slightly over me, moving my breasts from side to side and up and down, putting the finishing touches to his composition, I felt quite calm and even a little happy. (I know that sounds weird – I don’t mean to make this seem weird, I’m just trying to convey my personal experience.) Soon I was sitting again and then the artwork was finished. After he had gone, I went to the tiny bathroom to see what he’d done; shame I didn't get a pic of the mark-up, it was quite impressive - green, blue and red lines, curves and numbers all across my chest! I’d just settled back into ‘the chair’ when another nurse, Dell, came me to take me to the theatre (finally!). I was lead around a corner and through huge sliding frosted-glass doors with the medical twisted snake logo. Pristine white medical equipment lined the mid-blue theatre walls and in the centre of the room was the operating table, under huge lights and arrays of medical gadgetry. It looked like a set out of Marvels Dr. Strange movie. I sat on the table and the anaesthetist put the cannula in my left hand, followed by a huge slug of antibiotics that reminded me of Bougainvillea flowers. Then the nurse helped me undo the curtain-dress so it could come off easily and had me lie back on the table. The last thing I remember is Dr. Brodie holding my left hand, a cool tingle running up my arm, looking up into the huge lights and thinking “this is it...” The awareness of my body fades and the lights seem to float closer... Updated on 9 Jun 2017: Sorry the story is a bit out of order... It's day 5 and I haven't needed any pills since yesterday morning. Nerves are starting to wake up now :) Twice today I had a hot-needle-prick feeling along the suture line of my right areola, only lasted maybe half a minute. Sometimes various places tingle, but that's it (boring, right?) Updated on 10 Jun 2017: Yep, things are definitely starting to wake up! Sensations encountered so far include: feather-brush nerve tingles/intense warmth just below the skin, particularly on the horizontal suture line/hot needle pricks/intense but short-lived tingling and itching. I can move around normally and stand straight without discomfort. It is recommended to sleep on my back for the first week, and I read in a blog that a ‘nest’ works well to stop movement. I’ve included a photo of my nest because it really does work! (Yes, my room is a caravan...) For the last 5 nights I’ve slept on my back without any problem and the pillows also keep everything warm. It’s early winter here and the mornings are usually between 0 and 5 degrees centigrade but in my nest it’s so cosy! I go to bed around 8pm, with a hot water bottle for my feet and I’m good till 7:30am! Updated on 10 Jun 2017: Procedure: bilateral breast reduction. Pre-op Dx: macromastia. Findings: present symptoms of mastomegaly, axillary volume, larger breast. Technique: Hall Findlay technique with horizontal scar modification, right 400, left 440, liposuction for contour med and lat only, haemostasis, gland suture 2/0 Maxon, skin 3/0 Monocryl, Fixomul/Micropore. Post-op Orders: Brufen/Panadol/Targin/Endone, SCDs to remain in situ, low surgical DVT risk, standard BBR care path, notify concerns. Blahhhh – medical talk! I think 400 and 440 are grams removed, but it doesn’t say. Makes sense though, because each was about 600+ grams before and ol’ lefty was bigger, so… The drugs mentioned are various degrees of pain reliever. Panadol is your standard headache pill; Brufen is pain relief/anti-inflammatory; Targin is slow release moderate pain relief/anti-nausea, for overnight; Endone is serious pain relief and only provided in case of “break-through pain”. The Micropore (aka brown masking tape) comes off next Wednesday at 2 weeks and the gland suture dissolves after 6 weeks. Updated on 11 Jun 2017: ...There’s a plastic breather thing over my mouth and nose… ...Hospital ceiling, curtains, bed tipped up a little, my chest feels strange, I pull the breather off because the air tastes like plastic. A nurse appears by my side and gently puts the mask back in place, saying I’ve been asleep for a long time and something about needing to breathe yucky plastic air. As soon as she’s gone, I take it off again… This time I stay awake. The nurse returns and pulls the curtains closed around my bed. My legs feel sort of distant, like I’m controlling them but there’s a delay in the signal. She helps me get dressed in normal clothes and I’m silently relieved that I chose the shirt with pop-fasteners instead of buttons. I stand for a minute to put my jeans on, then collapse into a deluxe wheelchair so the nurse can do my shoes. Then she wheels me out to a waiting area and a few minutes later my mum and dad are ushered through. I’m told I have to see Dr. Magnusson before I can be discharged, so we wait. Still dopey and uncoordinated, I have to shuffle with one hand on the wall to get to the bathroom. Whatever the anaesthetist gave me was really good, as I don’t feel sick or anything, just groggy and with the reaction time of a sloth. Some time later (10 minutes? 30 minutes?) a nurse helped me to another tiny consultation room. Dr. Magnusson asked how I was feeling and pressed on my chest in a few places to make sure everything was still soft. The nurse leads me back to the chair; dad’s gone to bring the car around to the pick-up zone and as soon as he ‘s there mum helps me to shuffle to the elevator. Outside the hospital an icy wind is blowing, the kind that goes right through you. I gingerly get into the car, put the seat right back and pray the roads are smooth between here and the motel (they weren’t). Updated on 12 Jun 2017: I am AMAZED how much difference this had made to my life, even in just a week. I didn’t realize just how much I hated my breasts. Now I wake up in the morning without a weight on my chest. I don’t have to partially wake during the night to stuff a pillow between them. When I sit, there’s no horrible breast-on-tummy feeling. I’m constantly correcting my posture, reconditioning myself NOT to slouch; apparently my ’normal’ posture pre-op is shown for what it was: rolled over shoulders and sunken chest. I’ve also met three ribs that I haven’t seen before. There’s no other way to say it: I feel free. Updated on 12 Jun 2017: I couldn't resist doing a comparison in photoshop... Wow. Updated on 13 Jun 2017: 8 days! I got a new sensation this morning. I had been upright for about 3 hours and then lay down to enjoy the winter sun. Just after reaching horizontal, I got a firm-thumb-pressure feeling moving slowly along my right breast, from the nipple outward until it faded toward my ribs. Lasted about half a minute. It was almost painful, with a very distinct outline and pressure feeling. Never had it before and usually changing position from upright to lying down is a relief, not a cause for discomfort (that's for getting up!). Anyway, just thought I'd mention it... Updated on 14 Jun 2017: I write about the physical improvments because they are easier for people to understand, but I need to make it clear that although the physical changes are great, they're by far not the mot important improvment. The most noticable shift has been psycological. I can't put it into words easily because to understand exactly what I mean you'd have to know me, my history and my beliefs. Perhaps the best way to sum it up is: I was living a lie. It would have been horribly hypocritical for me to continue living as I had, pretending everything was fine, whilst constantly hiding my figure, and a major part of my personallity, from the world. I was constantly conflicted, wanting to reach out and meet people, discover new things and learn new skills, yet always afraid of being myself because I wasn't comfortable in my own body. People used to say I'm shy; I now realise that's because instead of projecting my personality as people normally do, I held it back, constructing a barrier between myself and the world. I find now that I can be more out-going, candid, authentic, relaxed. I have never felt this comfortable in my body -- I know that sounds wierd but it's a completely genuine statement. Like I said, you'd have to know me ;) Updated on 15 Jun 2017: The notable improvement of today is ... I slept on my side last night! Only a few hours and only the left side, as the right is still a bit bruised, but ohhhh it was SO GOOD not to be on my back! Updated on 16 Jun 2017: The sticky tape – sorry, Micropore dressing – is driving me crazy! The suture lines are starting to get that subtle, healing tingly-itch that makes me just want to PEEL THE TAPE OFF! A couple of the corners are lifting, which doesn’t help with temptation… But hey, it’s coming off in three days anyway. In other news, I have an almost normal range of movement back and can manoeuvre through daily life without any inconvenience or discomfort. (Apparently I move normally too. I live with an older lady who doesn’t know the real reason why I was away overnight and she still hasn’t caught on.) Updated on 21 Jun 2017: I’ve been unstuck! (Is that similar to being unhinged?) My 2-week post-op appointment with the practice nurse, Ruth, was uneventful but relieving. The original Micropore is all off and replaced by new, narrower stuff. The glue is counteracted by baby oil (which is great because I love the smell of Johnson’s baby oil) so I smear the tape in mineral oil and it just peels off. I have to change the tape every ten days for the next three months to keep the edges of the wounds smooth. Also, I have no external sutures. That was the most amazing part – maybe I’m just not up to speed with current medical practices, but I find that incredible that the skin is sewn back together using the sub-dermal layer. The skin that’s been under the Micropore for the last two week is a bit numb on the surface; I can feel pressure but not the actual touch in some places, but that will probably change soon. According to Ruth, I’ve been over-padding my bra! Now the tape is minimal, I’m using circular make-up pads only over the horizontal suture line, which itself is way smaller than I expected. I'm loving my new boobs more and more as I get to know them :) Updated on 22 Jun 2017: I went shopping today – clothes shopping. For the first time, I can walk into the women’s section of the local Target and not have to think about whether I could fit into this or if that’s got enough coverage or whether the other has buttons to safety-pin. I tried on a blouse and a dress, both size 8 and they fitted! I’m a size 8 all over!!! The other cool thing was the check-out lady knows someone who is considering a BR, so I told her about this site and gave her Dr. Magnusson’s clinic contact details. I wish her all the best :) The comparison photo shows the new dress with the before bra (stuffed with tissues to keep it rounded) and now. I've also added some of the clinical 'befores', because they wouldn't upload when I first started this blog. Updated on 22 Jun 2017: I think there's a bug in the photo-upload code... Updated on 25 Jun 2017: The swelling, what little there was, seems to have gone down. The 12D that nurse Ruth gave me is getting roomier in the front (it’s so awesome that a 12D can now be called ‘roomy’!) and there’s a fold in the fabric under both breasts that is echoed by a bump in the skin, especially under the left breast. It’ll probably disappear, but I’m not taking any chances. The original plan was to wait until my 8-week check-up to go bra shopping (because Toowoomba has so much more choice); however, I don’t want to get a crease in my new $10,000 boobs, so I’ve ordered a couple of 12C low impact wire-free crop tops online. Given it’s end-of-financial-year-clearance-sale time, the two only cost $15! In other news: nothing hurts, I can sleep on both sides now (but still have to careful rolling over) and university starts again on Monday so that’ll keep me occupied :) Updated on 8 Jul 2017: The human body is amazing. I don’t know anywhere near as much about it as I would like, but observing the healing process has been an eye-opener. The incision lines are now completely smooth, with no tactile evidence that there was ever a cut there. The new skin that has formed is silky smooth and transparent, showing tiny blood vessel traversing the vertical and circular incision lines. The single stitch hole has also filled in with new tissue and blood vessels and now resembles a teensy pink flower. There is still a bruised patches where the skin is also numb, but I think they’re gradually fading. There have been times when I catch myself slipping into old programming, preparing to hide my figure. There is a shop in town with big reflective windows overlooking the street and when I walked past it the first time after surgery, I glanced at my reflection like I always do, checking to make sure nothing’s bouncing too much. Except there wasn’t anything to bounce. And walking along the main street, I can look other commuters in the eye and stand with my back straight. I’m redefining my look, too. My old wardrobe is based purely around practicality and disguise. Now I can go shopping with a whole different mindset. I can even wear heels! Updated on 28 Oct 2017: I haven’t written since 6 weeks because I’ve been busy living my new, open, expressive life :) Shortly after the last post, I went shopping with mum and bought 7 new bras in various styles and 5 new blouse tops. It was great!!! So, in the boob department, everything’s back to normal. The numbness is slowly receding, there’s only a tiny lump now in the bottom of lefty, and the scares fade more every week. On hot and humid days at home I can go braless and not feel any discomfort at all (yeeaaahhhhh!!!!) and I can now confidently wear a dress. No one aside from my immediate family has noticed/commented on my change, but I feel so much better. There is also this I want to share… I found this a week ago, and if anyone you know is not quite getting why you want a reduction, show them this video! It's called The Try Guys Wear Boob Weights For A Day; four guys go about a normal day (cleaning, excising, office work) with 6.6 pounds hanging on their chests. I think this should be included as mandatory education for men… I’m sort of kidding, see what you think... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqjVSJBsmqM This will probably be my last post. Heartfelt thanks to all those other women and their inspiring stories, to my dad for supplying the finances, my mom for caring for me post-op and the doctors and nurses at the hospital. Special thanks to Dr Magnusson for caring and doing such a good job for me :) Love to all, K
During my first appointment, Dr Magnusson went into great detail about the surgery I was wanting done and what my expectations should be. He eased any fears I had about the surgery as I have hospital phobia and have never undergone such a major operation before. Dr Magnusson told me what realistic outcomes to expect. I liked that the Dr was thorough and did not pressure me into getting anything more than what I initially came in for. Sarah, whom works in Dr Magnusson clinic was also very accommodating and was with me every step of the way in the lead up to my operation on 1st March 2016. Sarah even went out of her way to visit me in hospital which just added to the experience of the journey I took for my ‘mummy makeover’. I definitely recommend Dr Magnusson. Great experience overall.
Day after surgery, feeling very sore and sorry for myself. Everything is swollen. Got up twice already.the lipo hurts the most. Was really emotional this morning and thought I was crazy getting it done. But feel better tonight. Will post after photos when able too. After the operation you feel very tired and doppy. On panadol, endone and brufen. A lot of burning pain in my thighs were I had liposuction. Nothing seems to stop the pain and I can't get comfortable. Breasts also swelling really bad. Anyone got some words of motivation / tips to deal with pain as I feel like nothing is working? Updated on 11 Aug 2015: Day 2/3 I couldn't even imagine the pain stopping or getting better. Had a problem with the nurses at the hospital I was booked into, which my doctor quickly sorted out. Once I got through those couple of days and got on top of the pain things are looking a lot brighter. I can already see the sculpting and can see what the end result will look like. So happy with the results even though still very swollen and bent over. Can't wait to see my body continue to transform. Updated on 14 Aug 2015: Okay thought I was having a great day. Felt like swelling was good. Had a sleep and then got my husband to help shower me. Was in the shower for maybe 4 minutes and started feeling a bit light headed so sat down. Then I had the sweats etc and apparently fainted/ blacked out three times in the shower. I then said I was okay and wanted to get out of the shower( can't remember this ) and got out and while my husband was holding me I fainted again , probably out around 2 minutes my husband thinks. Checked my blood pressure and it was really low. Have been laying down for a couple of hours and my blood pressure is back to normal but still on the lower side. Had dinner and feel okay. The water wasn't really hot or anything, it was the first shower I had trying to stand up though. thought I was doing so well. I'm a bit down now. I have my photos, I am starting to wish I did get the fat transfer to my butt. Might look a bit better when I can stand up straight and the swelling has gone down. Oh sorry about the hairy armpits in the photos. Highly recommend getting armpits waxed before surgery. Updated on 15 Aug 2015: Is it normal about day 9 lol surgery and breast lift implants to have LOTS of swelling. I am so swollen and feel really crappy. Has anyone else experiencin this? Icing heaps even though it it freezing here. Any ideas/solution? Updated on 17 Aug 2015: 10/11days post op and this red discolouration has come out. I am thinking that it is due to putting ice packs on for too long however are really worried it is something else. This breast has been hurting the last couple of days I reach up to turn the shower head and hurt it so I have been putting ice packs on it a lot since I hurt it. Calling the doctor in the morning really worried. Updated on 20 Aug 2015: I have just hit the 14 day / 2 week post op mark and I am surprised at how well I am doing. I have had my surgical tape removed and now have just micro pore tape on which I have been advised to change every 7-10 days to get the best results. I am really happy with the minimum amount of bruising I have and how much more I can stand straighter. Hoping I will be able to stand up straight soon as I look like my new breasts are weighing me down. I am also really happy with the amount of movement I have now too. Had my 2 week check up and the PS was also really happy with my progress and his work. It has totally been worth all the pain, and to think that the results will get even better. Updated on 23 Aug 2015: Really swollen as I have been shopping today. Still working out how much is too much. Updated on 24 Aug 2015: Just took my tape off as I noticed some more weeping and my breast has been hurting this afternoon and found a small infection at the T section. Really worried. Have seen some bad stories of other ladies with infections. I hope I have done the right thing, I put bedadine on it and then redressed it with meloin dressing. Calling doctor first thing in the morning, I want antibiotics again. Should I be worried?? Updated on 29 Aug 2015: Well I am happy to report that my wound under my right breast is healing well. So glad. I am not sure about how symmetrical they are but I know it is only early days and they are SO much better then before my surgery. Tried my new gym pants on today and even though I am still really swollen they looked so good. Updated on 29 Aug 2015: I am really swollen so wasn't going to show my progress but here it is. I also have not been drinking enough water so going to be resting and drinking more water for the next 3 weeks. Updated on 1 Sep 2015: So excited brought new size 10Aus size jeans and new top to show the girls. Updated on 8 Sep 2015: Just an update on my wound under my right breast. It is slowly healing. It is taking so so long and I am going to the nurse every second day to have the dressing changed. They have been putting some salt dressing on and today decided to just put antiseptic cream on itand then a water proof dressing. They are happy with how it is improving but I am not aloud to do much with my arms. Funny how I thought before the surgery that it would be the LBL that would take the longest to heal and didn't think much about the BA . I am recovering well from the LBL not much swelling now at all. I am over wearing the compression pants and counting down the days until I hit 6 weeks and I don't have to wear them.my skin is so dry. Visited my gym yesterday and planning on going back next week just to do some walking and light cycling. Updated on 14 Sep 2015: I had my 6 week appointment today. Got the all clear to wear normal bras and don't have to wear those terrible compression pants again! I'm allowed to exercise, just no running, jumping, kettle bells or heavy weights. Forgot to ask about when I could do tummy exercises though. ??? What exercises did other people do at 6 weeks? I think I will be taking it easy. Updated on 15 Sep 2015: I am 6 weeks on Thursday and I am worried about the symmetry with my breast lift and implants. The left breast is harder and the nipple in lower. The implant almost feels like it is up higher in the left breast. I realise it is hard to get this perfect and I should be happy. I tried to discuss it with my PS he just said the nipe was a bit lower and he would look at it in February. Does this happen and then settle?? Should I be worried? Am I being ridiculous? The doctor said you don't have to massage the breast with this procedure, should I do it. Scared to even let my husband touch them. I know that it is better then my before photo.
I have been thinking about a breast augmentation over a number of years. Now that I can afford to pay for my own surgery, I booked an appointment to see Dr Magnuson here in my home town of Toowoomba, Australia. He measured my chest and gave me his opinion of what would look good on my frame. I totally agreed with the look and went ahead and booked my surgery. This process has taken me a little over a fortnight. I am totally taken with my new look. Updated on 13 Dec 2014: my boobs are feeling really tight across my chest. Pain level has increased slightly, hoping this will subside in the next couple of days. When is it ok to have a shower?? Updated on 14 Dec 2014: As you can tell, my boobs were no boobs. All that you can see is loose skin with no volume. Updated on 15 Dec 2014: Today I went about doing normal activities. My boobs are feeling like my milk is backing up in my chest. I hate coughing, if I drink water the wrong way. I am still taking most of my meds even though I would like to leave the pain killers out. I also Hate the fact you have to eat food in order to take Brufen or antibiotics. Bring on day four???? Updated on 15 Dec 2014: Day three pics, not much has changed. Updated on 16 Dec 2014: Today the tight chest feeling has disapated to a non existent feeling, maybe it's because my chest is getting used to the implants already. My pain tolerance is manageable and sometimes when I forget to take my meds the sitcture sites sting to remind me it's time for a top up. I am still wondering if my boobs will shift down to a more natural shape. I suppose only time will tell. Updated on 17 Dec 2014: Booked an apt to see my PS. Had a little scare of possible blood clot on lung issue. Rush down to radiology for ct scan. Tomorrow I will find out from dr Magnusson what the outcome will be. Crossing fingers it's nothing major. Updated on 29 Dec 2014: Over the last week: I have had morning boob most days; off all medications; waiting to get back to a light exercise routine; using my chest muscles is still painful. I only have two more weeks in wearing the surgery bra before finding a new sexy looking one. Updated on 2 Jan 2015: I am finding the girls are settling down and feeling more natural. Having said that, my strictures feel itchy and sometimes sting, but thinking that is normal. Updated on 13 Jan 2015: My girls are feeling more like they belong to me. I am able to sleep no worries on my stomach. The breast itself still feels hard to touch. Wondering how much longer it will be before the breast tissue will soften up?? Scares are healing wonderfully with out any additional creams or oils. Updated on 13 Jan 2015: Week4 Updated on 13 Jan 2015:
Day of surgery and bit excited but nervous. I attend the plastic surgeons rooms yesterday afternoon and got marked up ready for surgery. Have been advised that I will be having lipo completed first then the tummy tuck and then the cleaned fat from the lipo will be injected into my buttocks. Can't wait for the 3 month mark. Updated on 7 Apr 2015: Ok so it's about 3-4 hours post op. Had additional Local injected during surgey and also have a pain pump, which I can use every 5 mins. Finding the pain bearable atm. Only using pain pump every 15-30 mins, with pain currently sitting around 2-3 out of 10. I know this will increase but really happy so far. Updated on 9 Apr 2015: So I made the 4-5 hour trip Home yesterday. Due to Having fat transfers I can't sit directly on my bum, so when I'm lying down in in either side and for sitting I have a lovely dense foam seat carved out. My father did this for me Before the long drive home. Which was a life saver as this ensured for a very comfy ride home. So I still have one drain in place have lost 80ml first day, 50 ml second day, and then 50 ml third day. I'm hoping that I only loss 30 ml in the Next 24 hours so this can be removed and I can shower finally. The pain is easing a bit, but since leaving the hospital I get a burning pain in the Middle Of the night where the one drain is. I breathe through the pain and it does resolve itself but does hurt a lot. Hopefully I will get some photos in the next few days. Overall doing pretty well. Updated on 10 Apr 2015: So I only lost 30ml in the drain so it was fine to come out today. And what a relief. Drain line was at least 30cms long and it was exactly were I had the burning and stinging. Since it was removed no more stinging or pulling pain, which has been great. I'm getting around much easier without my bag. And feeling so much fresher after a shower and a clean garment. Took a Few Photos but as you will be able To tell I'm by standing straight atm. Hopefully in the next few days. Updated on 15 Apr 2015: So I slept pretty well last night only got up a few times to use the toilet. Anyways just wnated to post a few Pics. So less boated today. Ok I couldnt wear anything tight for long but as the pics show I have heaps less swelling and less bloated today/ this morning. Very happy. Btw look at my ass. Never thought it would be full Again???? Updated on 30 Apr 2015: So I have been back at work just over a week and started walking on the treadmill for 30 mins last night at the gym. When I started back at work the pain would get to me at times, but doing really well, just a bit uncomfortable at times. I got to take my tape off my incision this week which I was excited about until I saw the raised scarring. The nurse at the surgeons has been great and looked at my wounds and reassured me that everything is looking how it should. Which is great to hear. Also in finding that my skin is peeling and itching with the swelling going down. Is gotten to the point where I have a red rash on my stomach. Shouldn't complain things could be worse???? Updated on 19 May 2015: So today is the 6 week mark post op for my. So there has been a few learning curves for me over the past few weeks. This includes don't go for a 7 min jog for your first jog trial at 5 weeks. Not too clever and I felt it afterwards. So I had a break from the gym/ treadmill for a week ( I also had a cold) so it was easy to say away. I have started back at the gym this week and feeling great. Today was my first day of not wearing my full length garments since surgery, this went ok, but I'm glad I wore my suck me in singlet top Which helped give me some support. I took Some pics this morning. Still a bit swollen, but can see I still have my tiger stripes (they will never go) thanks to my 10 and 11 pound babies. I just can't wait to see My results at 3 months and 6 months. And only 2 more weeks of using my cushion to limit the direct impact onto my fat transfer into my rear ????
Thank you for sharing your concerns. It would certainly appear that you have circulation problems to your bellybutton. Having a repair of an umbilical hernia at the time of abdominoplasty does increase the incidence of having hearing problems of the bellybutton. At this point apart from wound care there is not much to do. It will be a process that takes longer than you and your surgeon would like but it can't be hurried. Once healing is complete there is often not much if anything that needs to be considered and let's remember that a bellybutton started as a scar with the division of the umbilical cord. At this point patience, wound care and time. Wound healing problems are no fun but will frequently lead to a resolution that is more than satisfactory. Stay in touch with your surgeon and maintain that relationship.
Hi there Savannah, Thank you for your question. There are a number of important things that need to be known to answer this question for you.
Numbness above the scar in the fold is normal but will generally reduce in size during the next 12 months. If the nipples have some sensation, it will likely return to normal but again it takes time. Patience and enjoy! Good luck
Thanks for sharing your question. I agree with your doctor: wait at least 3 months before considering revision. It is of course hard to comment without preoerative images and functional images (eyes closed) to compare to however your brow position seems fine/naturally high without a lift: this procedure would therefore alter your aesthetic and potentially give a startled look if the brow is then too high. I suspect you are looking at the residual skin on your lids. You have a symmetrical fold on each side which evenly matches the brow and lid margin. Well performed surgery. There is still some deflation of the upper lid more on the left than right. A degree iof asymmetry is normal both before and after surgery. It may be a goal of yours to address this and it could be achieved with volume: fat at the time of your facial surgery or fillers at any stage after complete recovery from your surgery. Good luck and hope this helps. Mark Magnusson
I think Dr Salzman from Louisville has given you a very thorough answer and some of the pearls in his response are important.Overfilling your breast with stretched soft tissues is only going to be a temporary fix and create more problems down the track. The alternative could be to consider anatomical implant to minimise the tendency towards a waterfall effect that will otherwise occur with a submuscular implant and no lift.An implant is about volume and the lift is about breast shape and nipple position. If your goal is to address both the emptiness that occurs in the upper part of the breast as well as centring the nipple on your breast mound and reducing the skin overhang and lifting the breast (and you have indicated that you don’t like the shape of your breasts) then I think a breast lift will be important in achieving your goal.I don’t think you have a tuberous deformity however the management of that condition is similar to the management of your own concerns.
